Peaceful "Officers of the Peace" in Vancouver

Altough I did not see them often, there were black hooded and masked protesters at the Vancouver Games.

Today is the 1st anniversary of the greatest Closing Ceremony EVER. So to honor this day, I must honor the security police who did an outstanding job during the Vancouver Olympic. In a crowded street near the center of the city I almost bumped into one of these protesters. These were, unlike the protesters in Mexico, protesting the President of their country, these were protesters of the Olympic Games. I could hear a voice under the black covering and then I heard a gentle yet firm voice of the security policeman directing him not to go in the direction he was going but to go in an opposite direction. His direction had to be reiterated four times yet he never raised his voice. He was firm, clear and concise!

Kudos Vancouver, and Happy First Anniversary to a spectacular Closing Ceremony February 28th, 2010!

Protesters with Tech Tools

This has been a month of protesting. January 25th to February 11th was like an earthquake with ripple effects and aftershocks that continue to this day. I followed tweets that came directly from Tahrir Square with intense excitement. I kept thinking of the past olympic games and what they would be like with technological tools we have today. Would the students who went missing and were killed after peacefully protesting their leader prior to the Mexico Games still be alive?

Egypt's Eighteen Day Closing Ceremony

Yesterday:

After so many days of peaceful protesting, millions waited with anticipation for the final answer. There was such an electric atmosphere, history unfolding, excitement on the streets, great spirit in the air all over Tahrir Square, "Liberation Square". For me, observing from so many viewpoints via the internet, it was like an exciting closing ceremony, the largest open air concert EVER. But, then, there was quiet and disappointment and disbelief!

Today:

After a final NO there comes a YES!

Tahrir Square erupts with joy and celebration. A celebration of dignity; broad smiles, grand music, flying flags, waving arms and so many singing the national anthym. Now, like an opening ceremony, (surely wish I was there) their voices were heard by the world. The eruption is bringing after shocks across the Arab countries and around this beautiful world. A new chapter is beginning and it will be written by the people.

We all hear your voices, Egypt!

Today is a glittering, gleaming, glowing olympic golden day in Cairo.